Bob sat right behind me in the Courier-Express newsroom, when were both reporters there in the 1970s.  I was engaged to be married in 1975.  Bob was on the guest list for our wedding planned for May 1, 1976, at 5:30 pm.
Sorry, but that won't work, Bob said. It would coincide exactly with post time for the Kentucky Derby and, as much as he wanted to be at the wedding of his newsroom buddy, the Derby took precedence.
I saw his point immediately, we shifted the wedding date to April 24, Bob was in attendance, all went well, and my wife and I even are still married.
I have worked overseas for the U.S. government for some time and have lost contact with most of my Buffalo acquaintances, but Bob tracked me down and we finally got together for lunch at the Anchor Bar last year.  He hadn't changed a bit, and I can't tell you how glad I am he did that, and I had a chance to reconnect with him after all those years.
A truly great guy, Bob was deadly serious about what really mattered in life -- family and friends -- but refused to get serious about the rest.  What a great recipe for a life well lived.

I was so sad to hear about Bob's passing...he always had kind and encouraging words for me when I worked at the News, never passing by without a greeting and asking how I was...a truly good guy.

For Sheila and Samantha:
Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Reading this guest book made me sorry, again, that I didn't know Bob better; I alwsys enjoy people who can make me laugh.  The entry from the woman who was there at the casino was particularly moving.  One (me) never feels so helpless as at a time like this.  There is nothing to be said except to ask you to rejoice in the memories and know that he is ever-present in your hearts.

I am so truly sorry for your loss.  I was at the casino that tragic evening.  Robert walked down the aisle two seats away from where I was sitting.  A stranger walking then collapsing.  Two men rushed over and performed CPR until EMS people arrived.  I cried and prayed for your husband, father and friend to pull through.  For your comfort he did not suffer and passed quickly. I tried tirelessly to find out who this gentleman was and did not get any details until this past weekend.  I very much wanted to come to pay my respects.  I expressed to my family that I only wished I would have gone to him to hold his hand while the two men where performing CPR just to know that a total stranger cared about his life and wanted so much for him to pull through.  But know that I prayed so hard at those final moments and I know God has him now.  Witnessing his sudden passing changed me and how life should be treated so delicately every single day.  May God bless you and your family during this very difficult time.   Just know that people surrounded him and he was not alone.  God Bless and may you find comfort in your precious memories and times shared!!!

Bob: I'm not horsing around when I say it truly was great knowing you. RIP.
Gene Kowal

Dear Sam and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great guy and an excellent journalist.  I remember his visits to CHS when you were a student there.  He was a proud father, great conversationalist and supporter of the school and his daughter.
He will be missed by those who knew him intimately or casually.
You are in my thoughts as you work through this troubled time.
Regards,
Dr. Glen McClary

I had known Robert for over 25 years and every time I saw him I knew I would be laughing shortly. It was always a  very nice feeling. That is a very rare quality for a human being. Especially for that quality to be so consistent. I hope and pray to catch up with him in the next life and continue our passionate debates on horses.  Godspeed to his entire family  !!!
                                                                 Karl Koniarczyk
                                                                 Lancaster, NY

Dear Bob's Family,

I was a classmate of Bob's at St. Joe's and reconnected with him when he was at the Courier and later the News. He was one of the nicest and funniest men I have ever met. His picture captures the smiling Bob I remember. God Bless him.

To the Summers Family,
I was shocked to read of Bob's untimely passing. We worked together at the Courier-Express. His zest for life and zany sense of humor brightened many a day. Bob was a fine man and will be missed by many. I am very, very sorry he left us way too early.
Dale C. English, West Seneca, NY

Dear Shiela and Samantha,
Like the rest of the family, I was also deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I am sorry that I didn't get to spend more time getting to know Bob better but I can assure you his name often came up in conversation. He will be greatly missed by all.

I knew Bob at the Niagara Gazette and was just thinking about him the other day. I liked his style, his humor and admired his persistance. He was such a proud papa when Samantha was born. Did Bennington Bob hit the ball over Route 354?

I live in Kentucky and have been reporting on the Kentucky Derby annually since 2003. I met Bob soon after that--he was in Louisville for Derby Week every year--and immediately liked him. He was a nice and intelligent man with a great dry sense of humor. I am very sorry to learn of Bob's untimely passing, and I'll miss him.

Dear Sheila & Samantha,
    As one of the "diary readers" I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Bob's death.  I feel I was only just beginning to appreciate Bob's sense of humor and intelligence.  He made me laugh and I think I made him laugh.  He will be sorely missed at the Grandpa Summers diary readings but will be there in spirit, I'm sure.  (I will be leaving on a bus trip so I will be unable to be at his funeral Mass, which I really would have liked to attend.)
Sincerely, 
Mary Leary

Dear Sheila and Samantha, I'm sorry I was never able to go the monthly reading of Grandfather Summers' diaries because I heard that Bob kept everyone entertained with his great sense of humor. Such a loss of a vital, interesting, accomplished and fun cousin! All us cousins will miss Bob! Anne Leary Hunt

I was so sad to hear of Bob's passing. As a long-time OTB teller, he always made me smile, whenever he came thru the door. .  He once wrote that he wanted his grave to read " I Gave you Ferdinand!'  Oh! But Bob, gave us so much more. My condolences to all the Family. He will be missed.

My sympathy to the family especially Chuck, Mary and Donna.I did not know Bob but your Mom always said good things about him. Janet Gioia

Dear Sheila,
I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing.  I remember you fondly from our contract negotiating days with P.P. of Buffalo and Erie Co.  My very sincere condolences.

I was so sorry to hear of Bob's death. It was always fun to talk to him and hear his take on things. A fine person and a great writer...Paula Voell

My condolences to Bob's wife, daughter and other family members.  I have known Bob for many years from his travels to Buffalo Raceway and the Syracuse Mile.  He was a great writer who portrayed our industry with warts and all, but also championed giving us a voice in the media which has forgotten us over the decades.  He will be sorely missed.

Sam & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your Dad was a wonderful man. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.

Sheila and Samantha, Bob was like a father to me. He always included Melissa Patrick and I in EVRYTHING you are both in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis. I love you both very much as well as Bob. I am here for you whenever you need me day or nite. 

all my love,

Jenn Vater (Daugherty)

I met Bob in 1977 when he was a business reporter at the Courier-Express and I was a very green entry-level PR person.  Unlike a lot of journalists in those days, Bob was always pleasant and friendly and willing to hear me out.  We were both journalism graduates of St. Bonaventure and always enjoyed talking about our alma mater and running into each other at alumni events and basketball games.  He was simply a good guy whose time came way too soon.  May he rest in peace.

My condolences to Bob's wife, daughter and other family members. I worked with Bob at the Niagara Gazette and The News and admired him for his wit and humor, fine writing abilities and for being an all-round good guy.

OBITUARIO

Robert J. Summers

Falleció en 5 SEPTIEMBRE, 2010

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